Cover for fishing rod holders

ABSTRACT

A cover is used in connection with a fishing rod holder. A flange is attached to the proximal end of a tube, and a transverse bar to the distal end. Fasteners pass through flange holes to attach the fishing rod holder to a boat deck. A flexible hinge connects a tube cap to a gasket. The cover comprises a plate having top and bottom surfaces, and an outer peripheral edge. The plate has a hole through it juxtaposed with the tube. The plate covers the flange and the fastener heads, with the plate bottom surface juxtaposed with the flange top surface. A skirt extends along the plate peripheral edge, and projects outward from the plate bottom surface. The skirt covers the flange peripheral edge. The skirt has a cutout to clear the hinge. Attaching means includes an adhesive between the plate and either the fastener heads or the flange top. Another attaching means is a hollow liner inserted through the plate hole and slideably received in the tube. The liner has a lip adapted to bear downward on the plate top surface. The liner has a transverse notch near the liner distal end to receive the tube bar. The liner has a toe projecting outward from the liner distal end to engage the tube distal end.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of fishing rod holders for use on aboat, and more particularly to a cover for the fasteners attaching thefishing rod holder to the boat.

Accessories such as fishing rod holders are often installed on the sidedecks of boats. The rod holder has a flange that is bolted on, leavingthe fastener heads visible. For yachts and high quality sportfishingboats, attractive appearance is paramount. The heads of fasteners, suchas bolts and screws, present an unsightly appearance for such products.There are safety considerations, as well. Heads of screws may have burrsand sharp edges projecting outward. Such burrs and edges can splinter orcut a hand or foot placed thereupon. This is a consideration on a boat,where people often walk on deck barefoot. Of paramount importance inmanufacturing a product is fast and easy assembly of the parts usingunskilled labor and no assembly fixtures or tools.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a cover for fishing rod holdersthat will allow fast and easy assembly of the cover to the rod holder.

There is a further need to provide a cover of the type described andthat will hide the fastener heads from view, and show an attractivefinished surface.

There is a yet further need to provide a cover of the type described andthat will shield burrs and sharp edges for safety.

There is a still further need to provide a cover of the type describedand that can be installed using unskilled labor.

There is another need to provide a cover of the type described and thatcan be installed using no assembly fixtures or tools.

There is still another need to provide a cover of the type described andthat can be replaced quickly and easily in the event that it becomesdented or scratched.

There is yet another need to provide a cover of the type described andthat can be manufactured cost-effectively in large quantities of highquality.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a cover foruse in connection with a fishing rod holder for a boat having a deck.The fishing rod holder has a tube extending between opposite proximaland distal ends. The fishing rod holder has a flange attached to thetube proximal end. The flange has opposite top and bottom surfaces, andan outer peripheral edge. The flange has a plurality of holes throughit. The holes are adapted to receive fasteners with heads for attachingthe fishing rod holder to the deck.

The cover comprises a plate having opposite top and bottom surfaces, andan outer peripheral edge. The plate has a hole through it adapted forjuxtaposition with the tube. The plate is adapted to cover the flangeand the fastener heads, with the plate bottom surface juxtaposed withthe flange top surface.

A skirt extends along the plate peripheral edge, and projects outwardfrom the plate bottom surface. The skirt is adapted to cover the flangeperipheral edge.

Attaching means is provided for attaching the cover to the fishing rodholder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be more fully understood, while still further objectsand advantages will become apparent, in the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments thereof illustrated in theaccompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded assembly perspective view of a fishing rod holder,including a cover for fishing rod holders constructed in accordance withthe invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the fishing rod holder assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side sectional elevational view of the fishing rodholder assembly of FIG. 1, taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a right side sectional view of the cover of FIG. 1, takenalong lines 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of another cover for fishing rod holdersconstructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the cover of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a right side sectional view of the cover of FIG. 7, takenalong lines 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an exploded assembly perspective view of another fishing rodholder, including the cover of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the fishing rod holder assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a right side sectional elevational view of the fishing rodholder assembly of FIG. 10, taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of a liner used with the fishing rodholder assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a right side elevational view of the liner of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the liner of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 16 is an exploded assembly perspective view of yet another fishingrod holder, including yet another cover for fishing rod holdersconstructed in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawing, and especially to FIGS. 1 through 6thereof, a cover is shown at 50, and is for use in connection with afishing rod holder 20 for a boat having a deck (not shown). The fishingrod holder 20 has a tube 22 extending between opposite proximal 24 anddistal 26 ends. The tube 22 has a transverse bar 28 mounted inside thetube distal end 26. The fishing rod holder 20 has a flange 30 attachedto the tube proximal end 24. The flange 30 extends between oppositefront 32 and rear 34 ends, and between opposite right 36 and left 38edges. The flange 30 has opposite top 40 and bottom 42 surfaces. Theflange 30 has a plurality of holes 44 therethrough. The holes 44 areadapted to receive fasteners 46 with heads 48 for attaching the fishingrod holder 20 to the deck. The fishing rod holder 20 includes a cap 45adapted for insertion into the tube proximal end 24. A gasket 47 isadapted to be interposed between the flange bottom surface 42 and theboat deck. A flexible hinge 49 connects the cap 45 and the gasket 47.

The cover 50 comprises a plate 52 that extends between opposite front 54and rear 56 ends and between opposite right 58 and left 60 edges. Theplate 52 has opposite top 62 and bottom 64 surfaces. The plate 52 has ahole 66 through it, which is adapted for juxtaposition with the tube 22,upon assembly. The plate 52 is adapted to cover the flange 30 and thefastener heads 48. In the assembled state, the plate front 54 and rear56 ends will be juxtaposed with the flange front 32 and rear 34 endsrespectively. The plate right 58 and left 60 edges will be juxtaposedwith the flange right 36 and left 38 edges respectively. The platebottom surface 64 will be juxtaposed with the flange top surface 40.

A skirt 68 extends along the plate front 54 and rear 56 ends and alongthe plate right 58 and left 60 edges. The skirt 68 projects outward fromthe plate bottom surface 64. The skirt 68 is adapted to cover the flangefront 32 and rear 34 ends and the flange right 36 and left 38 edges. Theskirt 68 has a cutout 70 adapted to clear the hinge 49.

Attaching means is provided for attaching the cover 50 to the fishingrod holder 20. Specifically, the attaching means includes an adhesive(not shown) interposed between the plate bottom surface 64 and thefastener heads 48. Alternatively, the adhesive can be applied betweenthe plate bottom surface 64 and the flange top surface 40.

A method is also disclosed for covering fishing rod holder 20. Themethod comprises the steps of extending a plate 52 between oppositefront 54 and rear 56 ends, between opposite right 58 and left 60 edges,and between opposite top 62 and bottom 64 surfaces, then forming a hole66 through the plate 52, then extending a skirt 68 along the plate front54 and rear 56 ends and along the plate right 58 and left 60 edges, thenprojecting the skirt 68 outward from the plate bottom surface 64. Next,juxtaposing the plate front 54 and rear 56 ends with the flange front 32and rear 34 ends respectively, then juxtaposing the plate right 58 andleft 60 edges with the flange right 36 and left 38 edges respectively,then juxtaposing the plate bottom surface 64 with the flange top surface40, and then covering the flange front 32 and rear 34 ends and theflange right 36 and left 38 edges with the skirt 68.

Further steps comprise interposing an adhesive between the plate bottomsurface64 and the flange top surface 40, then attaching the cover 50 tothe fishing rod holder 20 with the adhesive. A final step comprisesnotching the skirt 68 to clear the hinge 49.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 15, another embodiment of the cover isshown at 150, and is for use in connection with another fishing rodholder 120 for a boat having a deck (not shown). This embodiment issimilar to cover 50 and fishing rod holder 20 described above, in thatthe fishing rod holder 120 has a tube 122 extending between oppositeproximal 124 and distal 126 ends. The tube 122 has a transverse bar 128mounted inside the tube distal end 126. The fishing rod holder 120 has aflange 130 attached to the tube proximal end 124. The flange 130 extendsbetween opposite front 132 and rear 134 ends, and between opposite right36 and left 138 edges. The flange 130 has opposite top 140 and bottom142 surfaces. The flange 130 has a plurality of holes 144 therethrough.The holes 144 are adapted to receive fasteners 146 with heads 148 forattaching the fishing rod holder 120 to the deck.

The cover 150 comprises a plate 152 that extends between opposite front154 and rear 156 ends and between opposite right 158 and left 160 edges.The plate 152 has opposite top 162 and bottom 164 surfaces. The plate152 has a hole 166 through it, which is adapted for juxtaposition withthe tube 122, upon assembly. The plate 152 is adapted to cover theflange 130 and the fastener heads 148. In the assembled state, the platefront 154 and rear 156 ends will be juxtaposed with the flange front 132and rear 134 ends respectively. The plate right 158 and left 160 edgeswill be juxtaposed with the flange right 136 and left 138 edgesrespectively. The plate bottom surface 164 will be juxtaposed with theflange top surface 140. In this embodiment, the plate bottom surface 164will usually rest upon the tube proximal end 124, but can be made torest upon the flange top surface 140.

A skirt 168 extends along the plate front 154 and rear 156 ends andalong the plate right 58 and left 60 edges. The skirt 68 projectsoutward from the plate bottom surface 164. The skirt 168 is adapted tocover the flange front 132 and rear 134 ends and the flange right 136and left 138 edges.

Fishing rod holder 120 differs from fishing rod holder 20 describedabove, in that fishing rod holder 120 has no cap, gasket, hinge, orskirt cutout.

Attaching means is provided for attaching the cover 150 to the fishingrod holder 120. Specifically, the attaching means includes a hollowliner 170, which is adapted to be inserted through the plate hole 166.The hollow liner 170 is also adapted to be slideably received in thetube 122. The liner 170 extends between opposite proximal 172 and distal174 ends. The liner 170 has a lip 176 at the liner proximal end 172. Thelip 176 is adapted to bear downward on the plate top surface 162, whenthe liner 170 is assembled into the tube 122. The liner 170 has a notch178 extending transversely through the liner 170. The notch 178 extendsa predetermined distance from the liner distal end 174 to an apex 180.The notch 178 is adapted to receive the tube bar 128 at the apex 180 soas to preclude the liner 170 from rotating in the tube 122. The liner170 has at least one toe 186 projecting outward from the liner distalend 174. The toe 186 is adapted to engage the tube distal end 126. Theliner 170 is constructed from a flexible, resilient material, so thatthe toe 186 will pass through the tube 122 with bias and engage the tubedistal end 126.

The notch 178 further comprises an inverted, U-shaped portion 182 at theapex 180. The U-shaped portion 182 has a width adapted to closelyreceive the tube bar 128. The notch 178 also has an inverted, V-shapedportion 184 extending downward from the apex 180 to the liner distal end174 and increasing in width toward the liner distal end 174. The liner170 preferably comprises a pair of liner legs 188 at the liner distalend 174 defined by the V-shaped portion 184. A toe 186 projects outwardfrom each of the liner legs 188 at the liner distal end 174.

Upon assembly, the cover 150 will be juxtaposed with the flange 130. Theliner toes 186 will then be manually pinched toward each other against abias inherent in the flexible material. The liner 170 will be insertedthrough the plate hole 166 into the tube 122. The notch 178, andparticularly the U-shaped portion 182, will engage the tube bar 128. Thetoes 186 will expand outward at the tube distal end 126, whereby theliner 170 will attach the cover 150 to the fishing rod holder 120.

A method is also disclosed for covering fishing rod holder 120. Themethod comprises the steps of providing a hollow liner 170, thenextending the liner 170 between opposite proximal 172 and distal 174ends, then providing a lip 176 at the liner proximal end 172. Next,extending a notch 178 transversely through the liner 170 adjacent theliner distal end 174, then extending the liner notch 178 a predetermineddistance from the liner distal end 174 to an apex 180, then projectingat least one toe 186 outward from the liner distal end 174. Next,inserting the liner 170 through the plate hole 166, then receiving theliner 170 slideably in the tube 122, then receiving the tube bar 128 inthe liner notch 178 at the apex 180, so as to preclude the liner fromrotating in the tube. Next, engaging the tube distal end 126 with thetoe 186, and then bearing downward on the plate top surface 162 with thelip 176, thereby attaching the cover 150 to the fishing rod holder 120.

Further steps comprise constructing the liner 170 from a flexible,resilient material, and passing the toe 186 through the tube 122 withbias to engage the tube distal end 126.

Yet further steps comprise forming an inverted, U-shaped notch portion182 at the liner notch apex 180, then forming an inverted, V-shapednotch portion 184 extending downward from the liner notch apex 180 tothe liner distal end 174 and increasing in width toward the liner distalend 174. Next, defining a pair of liner legs 188 at the liner distal end174 by the V-shaped notch portion 184, then projecting a toe 186 outwardfrom each of the liner legs 188 at the liner distal end 174. Next,juxtaposing the cover 150 with the tube flange 130, then pinching theliner toes 186 manually toward each other against a bias inherent in theflexible material, then inserting the liner 170 through the plate hole166 and through the tube 122, then receiving the tube bar 128 in theU-shaped portion 182, and finally, expanding the toes 186 outward at thetube distal end 126, thereby attaching the cover 150 to the fishing rodholder 120.

Turning now to FIG. 16, yet another embodiment of the cover is shown at250, and is for use in connection with another fishing rod holder 220for a boat having a deck (not shown). This embodiment is similar tocover 50 and fishing rod holder 20 described above, in that the fishingrod holder 220 has a tube 222 extending between opposite proximal 224and distal 226 ends. The tube 222 has a transverse bar 228 mountedinside the tube distal end 226. The fishing rod holder 220 has a flange230 attached to the tube proximal end 224. The flange 230 extendsbetween opposite front 232 and rear 234 ends, and between opposite right236 and left 238 edges. The flange 230 has opposite top 240 and bottom242 surfaces. The flange 230 has a plurality of holes 244 therethrough.The holes 244 are adapted to receive fasteners 246 with heads 248 forattaching the fishing rod holder 220 to the deck.

The cover 250 comprises a plate 252 that extends between opposite front254 and rear 256 ends and between opposite right 258 and left 260 edges.The plate 252 has opposite top 262 and bottom 264 surfaces. The plate252 has a hole 266 through it, which is adapted for juxtaposition withthe tube 222, upon assembly. The plate 252 is adapted to cover theflange 230 and the fastener heads 248. In the assembled state, the platefront 254 and rear 256 ends will be juxtaposed with the flange front 232and rear 234 ends respectively. The plate right 258 and left 260 edgeswill be juxtaposed with the flange right 236 and left 238 edgesrespectively. The plate bottom surface 264 will be juxtaposed with theflange top surface 240.

A skirt 268 extends along the plate front 254 and rear 256 ends andalong the plate right 258 and left 260 edges. The skirt 268 projectsoutward from the plate bottom surface 264. The skirt 268 is adapted tocover the flange front 232 and rear 234 ends and the flange right 236and left 238 edges.

Attaching means is provided for attaching the cover 250 to the fishingrod holder 220. Specifically, the attaching means includes an adhesive(not shown) interposed between the plate bottom surface 264 and thefastener heads 248. Alternatively, the adhesive can be applied betweenthe plate bottom surface 264 and the flange top surface 240.

Fishing rod holder 220 differs from fishing rod holder 20 describedabove, in that fishing rod holder 220 has no cap, gasket, hinge, orskirt cutout.

Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention willbe apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoingdescription. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the best mode of carrying out the invention. Details of thestructure may be varied substantially without departing from the spiritof the invention and the exclusive use of all modifications that willcome within the scope of the appended claims is reserved.

1. A cover for use in connection with a fishing rod holder for a boathaving a deck, the fishing rod holder having a tube extending betweenopposite proximal and distal ends, the fishing rod holder having aflange attached to the tube proximal end, the flange having opposite topand bottom surfaces, the flange having an outer peripheral edge, theflange having a plurality of holes therethrough, the holes being adaptedto receive fasteners with heads for attaching the fishing rod holder tothe deck, the cover comprising: a plate having opposite top and bottomsurfaces, the plate having an outer peripheral edge, the plate having ahole therethrough adapted for juxtaposition with the tube, the platebeing adapted to cover the flange and the fastener heads, so that theplate bottom surface will be juxtaposed with the flange top surface; askirt extending along the plate peripheral edge, the skirt projectingoutward from the plate bottom surface, the skirt being adapted to coverthe flange peripheral edge; and attaching means for attaching the coverto the fishing rod holder.
 2. The cover of claim 1, wherein theattaching means includes an adhesive adapted to be interposed betweenthe plate bottom surface and the flange top surface.
 3. The cover ofclaim 2, wherein the fishing rod holder includes a cap adapted forinsertion into the tube proximal end, a gasket adapted to be interposedbetween the flange bottom surface and the boat deck, and a flexiblehinge connecting the cap and the gasket, wherein the skirt furthercomprises a skirt cutout adapted to clear the hinge.
 4. The cover ofclaim 1, wherein the attaching means includes a hollow liner adapted tobe inserted through the plate hole and adapted to be slideably receivedin the tube, the liner extending between opposite proximal and distalends, the liner having a lip at the liner proximal end, the lip beingadapted to bear downward on the plate top surface, the liner having atleast one toe projecting outward from the liner distal end, the toebeing adapted to engage the tube distal end.
 5. The cover of claim 4,wherein the liner is constructed from a flexible, resilient material, sothat the toe will pass through the tube with bias and engage the tubedistal end, whereby the liner will attach the cover to the fishing rodholder.
 6. A cover for use in connection with a fishing rod holder for aboat having a deck, the fishing rod holder having a tube extendingbetween opposite proximal and distal ends, the tube having a transversebar mounted inside the tube distal end, the fishing rod holder having aflange attached to the tube proximal end, the flange extending betweenopposite front and rear ends, the flange extending between oppositeright and left edges, the flange having opposite top and bottomsurfaces, the flange having a plurality of holes therethrough, the holesbeing adapted to receive fasteners with heads for attaching the fishingrod holder to the deck, the cover comprising: a plate extending betweenopposite front and rear ends, the plate extending between opposite rightand left edges, the plate having opposite top and bottom surfaces, theplate having a hole therethrough adapted for juxtaposition with thetube, the plate being adapted to cover the flange and the fastenerheads, so that the plate front and rear ends will be juxtaposed with theflange front and rear ends respectively, the plate right and left edgeswill be juxtaposed with the flange right and left edges respectively,and the plate bottom surface will be juxtaposed with the flange topsurface; a skirt extending along the plate front and rear ends and alongthe plate right and left edges, the skirt projecting outward from theplate bottom surface, the skirt being adapted to cover the flange frontand rear ends and the flange right and left edges; and attaching meansfor attaching the cover to the fishing rod holder.
 7. The cover of claim6, wherein the attaching means includes an adhesive adapted to beinterposed between the plate bottom surface and the fastener heads. 8.The cover of claim 7, wherein the fishing rod holder includes a capadapted for insertion into the tube proximal end, a gasket adapted to beinterposed between the flange bottom surface and the boat deck, and aflexible hinge connecting the cap and the gasket, wherein the skirtfurther comprises a skirt cutout adapted to clear the hinge.
 9. Thecover of claim 6, wherein the attaching means includes a hollow lineradapted to be inserted through the plate hole and adapted to beslideably received in the tube, the liner extending between oppositeproximal and distal ends, the liner having a lip at the liner proximalend, the lip being adapted to bear downward on the plate top surface,the liner having a notch extending transversely through the liner, theliner notch extending a predetermined distance from the liner distal endto an apex, the liner notch being adapted to receive the tube bar at theapex so as to preclude the liner from rotating in the tube, the linerhaving at least one toe projecting outward from the liner distal end,the toe being adapted to engage the tube distal end.
 10. The cover ofclaim 9, wherein the liner is constructed from a flexible, resilientmaterial, so that the toe will pass through the tube with bias andengage the tube distal end.
 11. The cover of claim 10, wherein: theliner notch further comprises an inverted, U-shaped portion at the apex,the U-shaped portion having a width adapted to closely receive the tubebar, and an inverted, V-shaped portion extending downward from the apexto the liner distal end and increasing in width toward the liner distalend; and the liner further comprises a pair of liner legs at the linerdistal end defined by the V-shaped portion, and a toe projecting outwardfrom each of the liner legs at the liner distal end, so that the coverwill be juxtaposed with the tube flange, the liner toes will be manuallypinched toward each other against a bias inherent in the flexiblematerial, the liner will be inserted through the plate hole into thetube, the liner notch will engage the tube bar, and the toes will expandoutward at the tube distal end, whereby the liner will attach the coverto the fishing rod holder.
 12. A method of covering a fishing rod holderfor a boat having a deck, the fishing rod holder having a tube extendingbetween opposite proximal and distal ends, the tube having a transversebar mounted inside the tube distal end, the fishing rod holder having aflange attached to the tube proximal end, the flange extending betweenopposite front and rear ends, the flange extending between oppositeright and left edges, the flange having opposite top and bottomsurfaces, the flange having a plurality of holes therethrough, the holesbeing adapted to receive fasteners with heads for attaching the fishingrod holder to the deck, the method comprising the steps of: extending aplate between opposite front and rear ends, between opposite right andleft edges, and between opposite top and bottom surfaces; forming a holethrough the plate; extending a skirt along the plate front and rear endsand along the plate right and left edges; projecting the skirt outwardfrom the plate bottom surface; juxtaposing the plate front and rear endswith the flange front and rear ends respectively; juxtaposing the plateright and left edges with the flange right and left edges respectively;juxtaposing the plate bottom surface with the flange top surface; andcovering the flange front and rear ends and the flange right and leftedges with the skirt.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising thesteps of: interposing an adhesive between the plate bottom surface andthe flange top surface; and attaching the cover to the fishing rodholder with the adhesive.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein thefishing rod holder includes a cap adapted for insertion into the tubeproximal end, a gasket adapted to be interposed between the flangebottom surface and the boat deck, and a flexible hinge connecting thecap and the gasket, the method further comprising the step of notchingthe skirt to clear the hinge.
 15. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising the steps of: providing a hollow liner; extending the linerbetween opposite proximal and distal ends; providing a lip at the linerproximal end; extending a notch transversely through the liner adjacentthe liner distal end; extending the liner notch a predetermined distancefrom the liner distal end to an apex; projecting at least one toeoutward from the liner distal end; inserting the liner through the platehole; receiving the liner slideably in the tube; receiving the tube barin the liner notch at the apex, so as to preclude the liner fromrotating in the tube; engaging the tube distal end with the toe; andbearing downward on the plate top surface with the lip, therebyattaching the cover to the fishing rod holder.
 16. The method of claim15, further comprising the steps of: constructing the liner from aflexible, resilient material; and passing the toe through the tube withbias to engage the tube distal end.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising the steps of: forming an inverted, U-shaped notch portion atthe liner notch apex; forming an inverted, V-shaped notch portionextending downward from the liner notch apex to the liner distal end andincreasing in width toward the liner distal end; defining a pair ofliner legs at the liner distal end by the V-shaped notch portion;projecting a toe outward from each of the liner legs at the liner distalend; juxtaposing the cover with the tube flange; pinching the liner toesmanually toward each other against a bias inherent in the flexiblematerial; inserting the liner through the plate hole and through thetube; receiving the tube bar in the U-shaped portion; and expanding thetoes outward at the tube distal end, thereby attaching the cover to thefishing rod holder.